The future belongs to Newton and linebacker Luke Kuechly. The present still belongs, at least in part, to 89. He's the underdog with a chip on his shoulder, just like his city and his franchise. His midseason instruction to Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib to "Ice up, son," has become a rallying cry all over the region. It's only fitting that it came from Smith, and targeted a star from a major market that's been awash in titles lately.

Talks about the Ric Flair stuff a bit, but I liked the stuff they had to say about Smitty.